Dear Friends,
Like many businesses and industries, the world of higher education has reached an inflection point. Faced with a decline of college-age young women and men, a trend that will continue for many years, colleges and universities must consider who they are and how well they are meeting the market demand. At Saint Anselm College, we are endeavoring to balance how best to grow and evolve, while remaining true to our mission and identity.
This issue of Portraits is a kaleidoscope of the Saint Anselm community and its history, filled with stories of heroism, trailblazers, visionary thinking, service beyond self, and generosity rooted in a commitment to nurture this special place for the next generation and beyond.
You will read the inspiring words of Emily Orlando, Ph.D. ’91, a professor of English literature at Fairfield University and an expert in the works of Edith Warton. Dr. Orlando was the keynote speaker at the academic convocation this fall, which began our year-long celebration of 50 years of full co-education at the college.
And you will learn about the preservation of an important aspect of our regional heritage—the Geisel Library is the home to a large and significant Franco- American history collection. Meanwhile, artist Jyl Dittbenner ’97 is expressing herself in a big way through her murals in the Manchester area.
In “Building for the Future,” you will visit the Gregory J. Grappone Humanities Institute, which opened this summer, and witness the groundbreaking of Grappone Hall, which will house the Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Our philanthropy story features Roger Jean ’70, H.D. ’06 and Francine Jean, who have demonstrated a deep commitment to Saint Anselm for decades, and their most recent philanthropy may have the greatest impact of all—providing a financial foundation for the first school in the history of the college, the Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
On the cover, we share the story of Harvey C. Barnum, Jr. ’62, H.D. ’04, U.S.M.C. (Ret.), who received the Medal of Honor for his heroism in Vietnam. This summer, Col. Barnum was bestowed a special honor when the naval guided missile destroyer USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124) was commissioned in Maine.
So many members of our Anselmian community have impressive stories to tell, each one representing their own unique personal and professional journey, and yet these individuals are united by the foundation of a Saint Anselm education. We seek the truth. We value critical thinking. We choose lives of purpose, care and understanding. As I say often, today more than ever, the world needs Anselmians.
Warmly,
Joseph A. Favazza, Ph.D.
President